Penstemon venustus, commonly known as Venus penstemon, is a perennial herb native to the open grasslands, sagebrush steppe, and mountain meadows of the northwestern United States, particularly in Oregon and Washington. It typically grows erect to about 31 inches tall and can spread to form clumps. The plant features lance-shaped, serrated leaves that can reach up to 5 inches in length, and during its flowering season from late spring to early summer, it produces an inflorescence with numerous tubular lavender flowers. These flowers are notable for their size, with the largest nearly 2 inches long, and are characterized by long, white hairs covering the flower’s mouth and staminode, which enhance their attractiveness to pollinators.

Venus penstemon is valued for its showy flowers and adaptability to wild garden settings, making it a popular choice for naturalistic landscaping and xeriscaping in areas with similar climates to its native habitat. It is drought-tolerant once established, preferring well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. In cultivation, it is often used in rock gardens, borders, and as a component of pollinator-friendly plantings due to its appeal to bees and hummingbirds.CC BY-SA 4.0